Some things never change, they just get better over time. Like a Maine summer. In Vacationland, summertime is synonymous with being outside, and there are so many ways to find adventure here. Be it a meandering trail flanked by wild blueberries Down East, a quiet cabin in the 100-mile wilderness, or a majestic schooner slicing through the cold Atlantic. Getting to relive the best parts of the season every year it comes around is what makes Maine summers so…well, classic. This short yet sweet time of year, can almost feel like if you blink you might miss it, so we curated a guide with top local guides and gear to get you kitted out for every kind of quintessential Maine summer adventure. Even if it does go by fast, you’ll know you’ve made the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
Camping & Glamping
There’s nothing quite like camping during the Maine summer when the days stretch out as long as one of the rambling country roads that wind throughout the state. The only challenge you’ll face is where to pitch a tent…or park a campervan. Fortunately, Maine Adventure Co. has a small fleet of campervans available for rent that are specially designed for backcountry exploration all year-round, complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and off-grid capabilities. Those with an adventure vehicle can enhance their setup with one of G&G Upfitters’ modular trunk storage solutions for an all-in-one sleeping, cooking, and stow away system that makes getaways easy. Speaking of cooking, no camp kitchen is complete until it has one of Jetboil’s camp stoves (which are a classic in their own right!) for serving up dinner under the stars or fresh camp coffee to sip while watching a Maine sunrise. Explore Maine camping & glamping gear and guides
Hiking
Looking for a lighter way to explore the abundance of hiking trails in Maine? The self-described, “micro cottage brand”, Lite AF, crafts ultralight backpacking and hiking packs made from highly-technical recycled materials with its minimalist designs made for maximum function. Run by leaders with decades of experience, North Star Adventures is a hiking and outdoor guiding company that welcomes every kind of adventurer. They offer day hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, women’s outings, and opportunities to improve your outdoor skills with a range of Wilderness First Aid Certifications to build confidence in the outdoors. Explore Maine hiking gear and guides
Climbing
Rock climbing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a classic Maine summer, but it’s become a popular way for so many to enjoy the rocky slabs and ledges throughout the state. You can learn from some of the best at Acadia Mountain Guides who teach half, full, and multi-day lessons on some of the biggest rockpiles in the state, including Katahdin, Camden, and of course Acadia National Park. When you can’t be outside, you can brush up on your skills and fine-tune your route at Salt Pump Climbing Co. in the heart of Portland. Explore Maine climbing gear and guides
Biking
Contrary to its mountain-centric title, the historic Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) also offers visitors a way to explore the 100-mile wilderness by pedal as much as it does by foot. Bikers of all levels can ride over 300 miles of gravel trails that were formerly logging roads or take their mountain bikes to the forested trail system and pump tracks at their Moosehead Outdoor Alliance recreation area in Greenville. In the market for a new ride? Check out the Portland Gear Hub’s fleet of refurbished bikes and outdoor gear at the non-profit’s community hub in downtown Portland where they also host educational programming and group rides to make biking more accessible for all. Explore Maine biking gear and guides
Paddling
There are few things that are more iconic than a canoe cutting across the still surface of a lake or pond on a Maine summer day—unless you add to that a handmade wooden paddle by heritage Maine makers, Shaw and Tenney, for the full experience. The knowledgeable guides at Rangeley Adventure Company can surely show you the way around the area’s scenic lakes region (and maybe even a secret spot or two), while a handful of whitewater rafting guides can bring you some exhilarating fun. Looking to try something new? Packraft Maine exists solely to share the spirit of adventure using their watercraft of choice: a lightweight, inflatable, and portable raft that can be strapped to a backpack, the side of a bike, or transported around the state for endless adventures. Explore Maine paddling gear and guides
Sailing
Sailing might just clinch the top spot for “classic” outdoor summer activities in Maine since merely stepping onto the wooden deck of a historic windjammer can instantly transport you back in time. The Portland Schooner Company lets you experience that firsthand by taking guests throughout the Portland harbor for a glimpse of lighthouses, islands, and more. Pack up your Sea Bag for a journey in the midcoast waters with Black Travel Maine. The travel outfitter offers a three-night sailing adventure departing from Camden to explore the midcoast complete with island excursions, lobster bakes, and maritime exploration in an inclusive, welcome environment. Explore Maine boating gear and guides
Fishing
People come from around the world to wet a line in Maine’s many lakes, rivers, and streams, and there’s at least a fish story worth catching in summer’s abundant wild waters. Learn more about casting, Maine’s fresh and saltwater species, and stewardship from the dedicated guides of New England Fly who blend recreation with conservation who met by chance at fly tying workshop with the same gear Maine’s HMH Vises has for sale. Anglers looking for a one-stop shop can head to Selene’s Fly Shop where they sell fishing gear and guiding experiences in downtown Gardiner. Explore Maine fishing gear and guides
Surfing
Maine may not be a surfing mecca just yet, but the beach and point breaks found along its southern coastline are filled with surfers during the summer. The pioneering wave riders and wooden board builders at Grain Surfboards in York have established themselves as a community hub where Maine’s longheld tradition of making things by hand is passed on. Palmar Collective is creating a new classic through surf clinics, packrafting trips, swim lessons specifically for minority communities in Maine. No matter what your water sport is, the woman-owned Festive Fish crafts ocean-inspired rash guards, apparel, and home accessories to keep you covered and inspired. Explore Maine surfing gear and guides
Summer Outdoor Lifestyle
Even on a down day you can keep the summer spirit going strong with a copy of Maine the Way, a periodical print magazine dedicated to sharing Vacationland’s classic and modern tales. Or spend a rainy day decorating your home with classic ephemera of a Maine cabin, mountain town, or beloved coastal destination straight out of the southern Maine workshop at Benoit’s Designs. A day at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens brings a new appreciation and a deeper connection to the native flora that is on full display during the Maine summer. Explore Maine outdoor lifestyle gear and guides
Check out the full Adventure Local Maine guide for the best gear, goods, guides, and local intel to get you out there this summer.
Words by Kat Englishman